Former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson indeed will be Florida State's starter when the 'Noles open the season Saturday against Texas State in Tallahassee.
Golson, who transferred to Florida State over the summer, had battled incumbent redshirt sophomore Sean Maguire for the right to replace Jameis Winston as Jimbo Fisher's No. 1 quarterback. Fisher told the media in Tallahassee throughout August there wasn't much separation between Golson and Maguire, who started in place of a suspended Winston last year in Florida State's overtime win over Clemson.
Upon deciding to transfer to Florida State, Golson told Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman the presence of Fisher was a key reason for his move from South Bend to Tallahassee.
"For me, it all started with (Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher) being genuine and for me to be able to (play) free again," Golson told Feldman. "I think that's what I lost sight of last season. At the beginning of the season, I was playing free. I was having fun. Closer to the end of the season, it kinda came to feel like a burden."
[MORE: The five most important players for Notre Dame in 2015]
Golson started 11 games during Notre Dame's run to the BCS Championship in 2012 but was booted from the university for the 2013 fall semester for an academic transgression. He returned in 2014 and led Notre Dame to a 6-0 start and was one play away from beating Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium, a loss that tipped off a precipitous collapse that saw the Irish lose four straight games in November and Golson, who accounted for 22 turnovers last year, lose his No. 1 role to Malik Zaire. Golson stuck things out through spring camp but as soon as he learned he would graduate on time announced his intent to transfer from the program.
During his two seasons playing for Notre Dame, Golson threw for 5,850 yards with 41 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.